Chelsea: Benfica eye Joao Felix reunion as forward looks for fresh move after dour AC Milan loan | OneFootball

Felix failed to impress Enzo Maresca at Chelsea last season and is set for yet another transfer

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Benfica has emerged as a potential destination for Chelsea’s João Félix, whose future is again in flux following a difficult loan at AC Milan.

Felix has proven something of a square peg in a round hole throughout his career, undeniably talented but with his best position still undefined.

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He enjoyed a semi-successful six-month loan from Atletico Madrid to Chelsea in 2023, scoring four goals in 16 League appearances, but could not reproduce that form after permanently joining the Blues last summer in a £45million deal.

They worsened, in fact, as some reports in the Italian press pinned the Rossoneri’s many ills on his poor attitude and underwhelming performances.

In spite of his perennial underperformance, Benfica are reportedly interested in taking him back.

Felix graduated to the Eagles’ first team in 2018 before pushing for a big-money move to Atletico Madrid, at which point his career began to spiral, making six transfer moves in seven years.

A return to Benfica could offer some stability, though, and O Glorioso are now weighing up a £25.6m bid, according to Portuguese outlet A Bola.

To reach an agreement at that figure could prove challenging, though, as Felix still has six years left on his Chelsea contract, which is said to be worth £130,000 per week.

Talks could be held this weekend, as Chelsea and Benfica are due to face off in the Club World Cup round of 16 on Saturday.

It was reported earlier this summer that Benfica ‘dreamed’ of bringing the 25-year-old home, and considered a move ahead of the Club World Cup. Chelsea are said to be open to a deal, and the Portuguese giants believe that they can get Felix back to his best.

He is not likely to play a significant role should he return to Stamford Bridge next season, as Chelsea are keen to bring in a swathe of attacking reinforcements this summer.

Liam Delap has already joined in a £30m deal, with the likes of Hugo Ekitike, Jamie Gittens, and Malick Fofana all linked with moves.